January 2012

In This Issue:

• Happy New Year
• The Blues Respond to Marketplace Demands
• The Dynamics of Health Care Reform – A Success!

Printable Archive:

Happy New Year

From Michael Buck and the Staff at Association Benefits Company!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and profitable New Year!

The Blues Respond To Marketplace Demands for 2nd Quarter 2012

We continue to ask the Blues for greater affordability, more flexibility and distinct choices. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network have responded by adding new plan designs to Simply Blue^SM and Blue Essentials^SM portfolios along with new plan options for Blue Dental^SM employer-paid plans. The new plan designs are now available with April 1, 2012 effective dates.

BCBSM - Simply Blue PPO
Simply Blue provides product solutions for customers seeking cost-savings opportunities that address the need for comprehensive PPO coverage with cost-sharing features. In addition to current plan designs, BCBSM has added a mid-range and high-range deductible to meet employer needs. Both plans offer optional prescription drug coverage

Simply Blue HSA 2000, 20% is a response to market demand for an affordable mid-priced consumer-directed plan. It includes:

• $2,000 deductible
• 20% coinsurance ($1,000 maximum)

Simply Blue 4000 is a PPO option offering:

• $4,000 deductible
• 30% coinsurance ($1,000 maximum)
• $30 office visit copay
• $150 emergency room copay (standard)

BCN - Blue Essentials
This is a unique product that places an emphasis on removing financial barriers for employees to consult with their Primary Care Physician so that they more easily focus on prevention, wellness and chronic care. It provides zero dollar copays on many services including several prescription drugs.

This lower cost HMO plan offers:

• A $0 Copay for all primary care physician visits
• A $40 Specialist copay (from $25)
• Emergency room copay of $200 (from $150)
• Inpatient hospital copay of $500
• Outpatient deductible of $1,000 (from $500)
• Coinsurance of 30%
• Two Prescription drug options

Employers that choose this option can expect these approximate savings:

• 20% under their current Blue Essentials plan
• 40% less than BCN5
• 2% less than BCN10

Blue Dental
Available April 1, 2012, the Blues have added new designs for employer-paid plans to help make Blue Dental more competitive. The plans have more flexibility with options to: customize annual maximums and deductibles, add orthodontic coverage, and have class II basic services paid at 80% instead of 75%! Ready for a free, no-obligation quote? Contact your Blues-contracted agent or Association Benefits Company today!

The Dynamics of Health Care Reform – A Success!

With over 100 in attendance, the Dynamics of Health Care Reform session held during Michigan Infrastructure & Transportation Association (MITA)'s Annual Conference held last week at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort provided a great resource for employer groups, association members and trust funds of all sizes! We thank our subject matter experts who shared their expertise:

Pictured above: With BCBSM - Rhonda Gross and Michelle Flood; With Association Benefits Company - Brianne Gushman, A Jay Holmgren, and Mike Buck. At the MITA Annual Conference, January 2012.

Thank you for your continued association participation.

Need a duplicate ID card? Order it through our website: www.association-benefits.com